The signing comes one day after Welker, who wants a long-term deal, told WEEI Radio he had
"$9.5 million reasons why I won't miss any regular-season games." The Patriots
have organized team activities next week, but Welker isn't required to report
to the team facility until a full-squad minicamp in mid-June.

Rap Sheet: Welker had no choice

Signing his franchise tender was the best move Patriots WR
WesÂ Welker could have made, Ian Rapoport writes. More
...

Welker didn't participate in the Patriots' voluntary workout program last
month.

"Through my body of work, through the past five years, I think what I've
done -- I've earned a long-term deal," Welker told ESPNBoston.com in
April. "It's what I am looking for and what I want. Hopefully that's the case,
and hopefully we come to something where we can make that happen."

Welker, a nine-year NFL veteran, has played the last five seasons in New
England. He caught 122 passes for 1,569 yards and nine touchdowns in 2011.